The City Center's Chestnut Street, like the downtown areas of many other cities, experiences constant change and re-invention.  One of the most welcomed additions is Gran Caffe L'Aquila, a stunning cafe with delicious pastries, coffee and flawless customer service. What lured us in were the beautiful...holiday decorations outside; what held our attentions and kept us returning was the exquisite attention to details, ranging from the interior to the taste and presentation of the food, to the superior coffee and most importantly, the service. We ordered the iced vanilla cappuccino, a beverage so delicate it was like drinking silk; for dessert, the panna cotta infused with lavender and topped with fresh berries.  The couple next to us, clearly over the moon with their pasta, looked over, admired our contentment and ordered the panna cotta for their dessert, too.More

To begin, we shared the Cicchetti, a venetian tapas sampler, from the antipasti course. A small dull plate of rubbery things. It came with bread and garlic and olive oil for dipping. The bread and oil were the highlight of the dish. A small plate...was priced at $15. Too many leaves, not enough ‘tapas’. Next time we’ll share the Pera salad, which looked good. After this underwhelming start, everything got better fast. Zuppa Di Pesce: clams, mussels, calamary, salmon, and monkfish in a hefty tomato broth over pasta. Good ingredients and cooked perfectly. My companion liked the Vitello Saltimbocca. Both plates were cleared. We didn’t leave anything. Our deserts: tiramisu, and brioche bread pudding with a side of their famous gelato, were excellent as was the coffee. There’s a long beer, wine, and cocktail list. We were pleased with a draft IPA and a fresh strawberry prosecco. Service was fine.More

While strolling the streets of Center City, I was truly pleased that I found this friendly, authentic Italian cafe, right in the heart of Rittenhouse district. I was welcomed with a mouthwatering made-in-house gelato case and friendly staff. You don't have to travel to Rome...in order to get the best gelato in the world- LITERALLY. The winner of the World Cup of Gelato " Stefano Biasini " is the chef-owner! So I'm guessing that Philadelphia will never get enough of gelato ever again. Gran Caffe L'Aquila is a sweet Italian bi-level restaurant/ cafe and bar with a sophisticated atmosphere, serving authentic Italian dishes in Philadelphia. Upstairs, has a sit-down restaurant, a beautiful wine bar, a gelato, and a coffee roasting shop. The romantic table on the balcony is waiting for the future Romeo to take me on a date. My gnocchi was made with happiness. Very rich, fluffy, and delicious. There were handcrafted ricotta and potato gnocchi with Taleggio cream topped with wild mushrooms and shaved Parmigiano was so rich and absolutely delicious! A WOW factor pasta indeed! I made an excellent choice of dessert, I'm always a winner when it comes to sweets. A subtle lavender panna cotta topped with strawberries was the perfect ending to my meal. I enjoyed it and at its best, with a freshly brewed cup of cappuccino. If you appreciate a good coffee, you don't have to look far!More

super delish gelato so much to choose from. can't wait to go back next year. they had seating upstairs also with a bar and also a bar on the main level

What a hidden gem in philly. Have traveled all around the world and this is one of if not the best Italian restaurant. Amazing food, service and great ambience. Highly recommend for lunch or dinner...and buy some Italian coffee beans to go!

Got off to a bad start. Had a reservation. Showed up on time only to see hostess escort people without reservation first. Reserved for dining room but got put in upstairs cafe area. The place is a cafe not a restaurant. It is okay for...a sandwich and gelato but I was looking forward to an ice birthday dinner with attentive service. The service was horrid. Person kept disappearing only to confront us to order while we were still looking at menu. For was okay. Gelato excellent but the rest just okay.More

Stumbled across this place while walking through Philly on a weekend getaway. Peaked in... got lucky with bar space. BOY, were we thrilled! Dinner was amazing, great vibe, and excellent service. Planning on coming back on Sunday before we leave to head back to Florida....Thank you for a wonderful night!More